Look out George Waters Middle School students, your principal might be following you — on Twitter that is.

The principal of the St. James school, Andrew Mead, has taken to the social networking site to communicate with students and parents and so far it’s been a resounding success.

"It’s a really good way to send information out to parents and share with people about what’s going on in George Waters," Mead says.

"I’ll send out reminders about that it’s an early dismissal to parents and I’ll get a response back saying ‘Thanks, I forgot.’ "

Mead says the best thing he’s learned from Twitter is that it’s also a great professional development tool. He often uses it to pick up tips and ideas from educators around the world.

You can follow Mead on Twitter at @principalmead.

❑ ❑ ❑

Tina Mancusi has no problem admitting she got her butt kicked the first time she tried hot yoga.

But the challenge it provided was enough to motivate her to open St. James Hot Yoga with business partner Tammy Beck one year ago this March.

Located in the former Allen Nelson’s Ballroom and Country Dance Company spot at 3055 Ness Ave., Mancusi says that they have built up a devoted following in a short time.

"We have a loyal base of people from St. James who tend not to leave the area because St. James has it all," says Mancusi, a former advertising professional.

"We’ve become a yoga family."

Mancusi says hot yoga provides numerous health benefits including normalizing weight, improving muscle tone and promoting good mental health.

However it hasn’t always been sunny for the studio as the heating system recently crashed.

But Mancusi says it was a blessing in disguise because the partners have since installed radiant heat panels that heat the walls, floor and ceiling and are much more conducive to hot yoga.

"People are loving it and say it’s fantastic and giving it rave reviews," Mancusi says.

She adds that the new panels are more environmentally friendly and provide a savings of up to 70% off regular heating bills.

The studio employs eight instructors and offers eight different class styles including Hot Hatha, Kundalini Yoga, and yoga for kids.

Mancusi’s advice to anyone thinking about trying hot yoga is to let go of preconceived ideas and try the unique experience.

"Step out of your comfort zone and try something new!"

For more information visit www.stjameshotyoga.com.

Trevor Suffield is a community correspondent for St. James-Assiniboia. You can contact him at trevorsuffield@gmail.com.